Vijay's ‘Jana Nayagan’ clearance in doubt as centre tells court release date won’t sway CBFC

Highlights

• Union government says film release schedules cannot dictate censor approvals
  
• Madras High Court seeks CBFC records tied to complaint against the film
  
• Producers question referral to revising committee days before release
  
• Hearing adjourned as certification remains unresolved
  

Centre pushes back on fast-track clearance plea

The Union government has told the Madras High Court that an announced release date cannot be used to pressure the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) into granting clearance. The submission was made on January 6 during a hearing on the stalled certification of Jana Nayagan, the Vijay-starrer slated for theatrical release on January 9.

Justice Asha, hearing a petition filed by KVN Productions LLP, directed the CBFC to submit all records connected to the complaint that resulted in the film being referred to a revising committee.

Why the film was sent for review again

Additional Solicitor General ARL Sundaresan, appearing for the Union government and the CBFC, told the court that the Board had not taken a final decision on certification. He argued that the CBFC chairperson was empowered to refer a film to a revising committee, particularly when a complaint had been received raising concerns about its content.

The referral, issued on January 5 under Rule 24 of the Cinematograph Certification Rules, followed objections alleging that certain scenes hurt religious sentiments and questioned the portrayal of the armed forces.

Producers outline certification timeline

Senior advocate Satish Parasaran, representing the producers, said the application for certification was submitted on December 18, 2025. The Examining Committee, he noted, recommended a “UA 16+” certificate on December 22, subject to specific cuts and modifications.

According to the CBFC, the classification was based on the film’s brief depiction of religious sentiments and frequent fight sequences involving shooting, blasts, stabbing and gory visuals, which were deemed unsuitable for children below 16.

Parasaran told the court that the producers complied with all suggested changes and resubmitted the revised version on December 24. The CBFC’s regional office later verified the modifications and informed the producers on December 29 that the film would be granted a “UA” certificate.

Dispute over undisclosed complaint

The producers challenged the sudden reopening of the certification process, arguing that the January 5 communication did not disclose the identity of the complainant, the nature of the allegations or any supporting material. They contended that delaying clearance on the basis of an undisclosed complaint was arbitrary and contrary to law.

They also highlighted the financial stakes involved, stating that nearly $6 billion had been invested in the project and that the film was planned for release across approximately 5,000 screens worldwide. Certification of the Tamil version, they argued, was essential before proceeding with versions in other languages, and any delay would cause significant financial and reputational damage.

Court seeks records, hearing adjourned

After recording submissions from both sides, Justice Asha directed the CBFC to place all relevant records before the court, including the complaint that prompted the referral to the revising committee. The matter has been adjourned for further hearing on January 7, leaving the film’s clearance and release uncertain.